KANSAS CITY, Kan. – Set to compete in his first Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race since Homestead-Miami (Fla.) Speedway last November, Matt Kenseth says he has no expectations for Saturday night’s KC Masterpiece 400 at Kansas Speedway, his first race running a limited schedule with Roush Fenway Racing.
Roush Fenway Racing announced last month that Kenseth would return to the team that launched his NASCAR career and brought him a Cup Series championship in 2003. The Concord, N.C.-based empire is also hoping Kenseth’s craft and background will be enough to help rejuvenate an organization that once glistened in the spotlight as a powerhouse.
“The last few weeks have been fun,” Kenseth said Friday morning at Kansas Speedway. “Obviously, just trying to get a little bit caught up a reacclimated there with the system and the people and what’s changed and that kind of thing and been anxious about today and getting back in the car. I’m hoping everybody can get through tech and we can get on track in time.
“There’s not a lot of practice today, so I’m pretty anxious about getting in the car and seeing where we’re at and what my comfort level is, where we are on speed and what we’ve got to work on for tomorrow, that type of thing, so I’m just ready to get going.”
In the combined practice session on Friday afternoon, Kenseth struggled with his No. 6 Wyndham Rewards Ford Fusion. Ultimately, while his team opted of making a qualifying run, the Cambridge, Wisc. native only maneuvered the 27th quickest lap overall.
No need to panic yet.
Kenseth admits there’s going to be an adjustment period.
“I feel good about the direction that Roush Fenway Racing has taken the last couple years,” Kenseth sounded. “Certainly, all the Fords are very competitive this year. The 17 has shown a lot of speed on and off. You don’t see it necessarily in all the finishes, but certainly, they’ve been better, so, like I said, I feel like we’re headed in the right direction.”
Kenseth will have plenty of time to get reacquainted with his surroundings. Kenseth will be in the No. 6 Ford for the next five Cup Series race including the All-Star event at Charlotte Motor Speedway next Saturday night.
The 46-year-old Kenseth expects his goals and expectations aboard the No. 6 Ford to adjust the more he’s in the seat.
“I don’t have any expectations necessarily for this weekend,” added Kenseth. “I think the goals and expectations will probably continue to adjust once I get through this week and kind of see where we’re at and evaluate from there.”
Knowing that his time at Roush Fenway Racing may not be as long as his first 13-year stint, he’s focused on making the most of the opportunity.
“Professionally, I don’t know that I have a long-term goal,” he said. “As far as the rest of it, I don’t feel like I have anything to prove to anybody either. Short-term, I hope to help the organization. That’s kind of why Jack and I decided to do this. They needed to get their performance up.
“He’s hoping I can help with that. I’m hoping I can help with that. It’s yet to be seen. I’m just trying to concentrate on this and do the best we can this weekend and kind of evaluate and see where we’re at and try to do better next week and so on and so forth.”
Follow Chris Knight on Twitter @Knighter01.
